LADAKH (union territory)

Ladakh is India’s northernmost and largest Union Territory, formed on October 31, 2019. It is renowned for its high-altitude cold deserts, scenic landscapes and popular tourist attractions like Pangong Tso Lake and Khardongla, the world’s highest motorable road. With approximately 320 sunny days a year, Ladakh has great potential for solar power generation. Additionally, its valley terrain supports wind energy harnessing.

Ladakh is seeing significant economic development with infrastructure, power and tourism investments. In 2023, the territory welcomed 5.25 lakh tourists. The government has allocated funds for aviation, including Rs. 37.05 crore for civil aviation in the 2023-24 budget. In 2024, a power distribution project worth Rs. 131.19 crore was initiated. Moreover, renewable energy projects are progressing, with a planned 13,000 MW capacity and a battery energy storage system.

Several strategic projects are underway, including the Shinkun La Tunnel for all-weather connectivity and hydropower projects on the Indus River. In 2024, 4G network services were introduced in Phobrang, enhancing connectivity. Furthermore, the Green Energy Corridor Phase II will focus on 13 GW of renewable energy in Ladakh, contributing to its vision of becoming carbon neutral through solar energy and energy-efficient programs.

Chandigarh, situated at the foothills of the Shivalik range in northern India, serves as the capital of both Haryana and Punjab. It is a Union Territory, which means it is directly governed by the central government. The city’s foundation was laid in 1952 and it officially became the shared capital of Haryana and Punjab after the state reorganization in 1966. Known for its modern urban planning and organized infrastructure, Chandigarh stands out as one of India’s most well-maintained cities.

In terms of economic performance, Chandigarh has shown consistent growth over the years. Its Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) reached Rs. 5,42,847.3 million (US$ 6,906.5 million) in 2022-23, reflecting a healthy compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.02% from 2015-16 to 2022-23. The city’s Net State Domestic Product (NSDP) for the same period stood at Rs. 447,231 million (US$ 5,689.96 million), showcasing its strong and stable economic base, driven primarily by the services sector.

Chandigarh’s administration is actively promoting exports, particularly in the Information Technology (IT) sector. The city’s Industrial Policy of 2015 includes various fiscal and policy incentives aimed at supporting IT businesses. To enhance export potential, high-speed data communication facilities have been established in collaboration with the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), including a NODE at Punjab Engineering College (PEC).

 Delhi, India’s capital and a prominent Union Territory, is a major political, trade and cultural hub. Its strategic location, robust infrastructure and rich history make it a prime destination. The city's GSDP reached Rs. 11.07 trillion (US$ 133.79 billion) in 2023-24, showcasing a strong 9.12% CAGR since 2015-16.
The Delhi Metro, a vital transportation network, is expanding, with Phase-IV's priority corridor set to open in July 2024. The government’s industrial policy focuses on fostering a conducive environment for IT/ITeS industries.
Delhi's economy is dynamic, with a 22% GSDP CAGR between 2021-22 and 2023-24. NSDP reached Rs. 9.11 trillion (US$ 110.10 billion) in 2022-23. Merchandise exports totaled US$ 853.16 million from April to August 2024. FDI inflows are significant, amounting to approximately US$ 33 billion between October 2019 and June 2024, highlighting the Union Territory’s strong investment appeal. 

 Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, a Union Territory in western India, was formed in January 2020 by merging two former UTs. Bordered by the Arabian Sea, Maharashtra and Gujarat, the region holds strategic importance due to its coastal location and strong connectivity, including a domestic airport connecting to Mumbai and Ahmedabad, along with minor ports that support trade and logistics.

The UT has a diverse energy profile, with a total installed power capacity of 772.43 MW as of FY25 (April–August). Central utilities contribute 525.97 MW, while private players manage 246.46 MW. Thermal energy leads with 696.75 MW, followed by 29.22 MW from nuclear sources and 46.46 MW from renewables. The Union Budget 2024–25 allocated Rs. 58.06 crore (US$ 7 million) for power transmission and distribution, emphasizing the region’s focus on infrastructure development.

Economically, the UT is a growing industrial hub, particularly in textiles and plastics. It recorded merchandise exports worth US$ 4.60 billion in FY24, slightly up from US$ 4.55 billion in FY23. Between October 2019 and June 2024, the region attracted US$ 176.9 million in FDI, highlighting its rising appeal among global investors.

The Andaman & Nicobar Islands, a strategically located Union Territory near key international sea routes, play a vital role in India’s Act East Policy. Their location enhances maritime connectivity with East and Southeast Asia. To accelerate growth, the Island Development Agency was established and initiatives like the Submarine Cable project have improved digital access in education, healthcare, tourism and e-commerce.

The government is heavily investing in infrastructure to transform this Union Territory into a major maritime and logistics hub. A landmark project is the International Container Transhipment Port at Galathea Bay, Great Nicobar, with Phase I (4 million TEU capacity) expected by 2028. Investments have surpassed Rs. 30,000 crore (US$ 3.64 billion), with another Rs. 10,000 crore (US$ 1.21 billion) underway. Key upgrades include a greenfield airport, port modernization, township development and solar-diesel hybrid power systems.

While merchandise exports reached only US$ 0.37 million (April–August 2024), the Union Territory is expanding its blue economy through fisheries, aquaculture and seaweed farming. Port Blair Airport’s new terminal began operations in August 2023. With a target of 100% renewable energy and Rs. 5,987.14 crore (US$ 728.1 million) allocated for FY24, 12 islands have been prioritized for high-impact, sustainable development.

Lakshadweep, India’s smallest Union Territory, spans just 32 sq. km and comprises 36 islands, including 12 atolls, 3 reefs, 5 submerged banks and 10 inhabited islands. Strategically located in the western Indian Ocean, Lakshadweep provides the Indian Navy with a strong base for patrolling and surveillance, enhancing India's maritime security. The region also grants India control over 20,000 sq. km. of territorial waters and a vast 400,000 sq. km. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), rich in fisheries and mineral resources.

To improve connectivity and digital infrastructure, a submarine Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) project worth Rs. 1,072 crore (US$ 140.11 million) was initiated in 2020 and awarded to NEC in 2021. Expected to be completed by 2023-24, this project will enhance online education, e-medicine and employment opportunities for residents. The region’s total installed power generation capacity stood at 31.80 MW as of August 2024 and Rs. 185.80 crore (US$ 22.44 million) was allocated for Lakshadweep's power sector in the 2024–25 Budget.

From April to August 2024, Lakshadweep recorded exports of US$ 0.06 million. Sustainability efforts include building a 65 KW Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) plant in Kavaratti and observing weekly ‘Cycle Days’ to promote eco-friendly transportation.

 Puducherry, a Union Territory (UT) of India, is located on the eastern coast, bordered by the Bay of Bengal to the east and Tamil Nadu on the remaining sides. The UT consists of four geographically separated districts: Puducherry and Karaikal on the East Coast, Mahe on the Malabar Coast surrounded by Kerala and Yanam adjacent to Andhra Pradesh’s East Godavari district.

Puducherry recorded the highest Social Progress Index (SPI) score in India at 65.99, reflecting strong performance in areas like Personal Freedom and Choice, Shelter and Water and Sanitation. As of August 2024, the UT’s total installed power generation capacity stood at 429.39 MW, with 291.65 MW from thermal and 51.74 MW from renewable sources. Power generation is primarily supported by central utilities (345.15 MW), followed by the private sector and state utilities.

In 2021–22, the tertiary sector was a key economic driver, contributing 46.42% to the Gross State Value Added (GSVA), followed by the secondary sector at 48.17% and the primary sector at 5.41%. Puducherry has robust infrastructure, including a domestic airport with connectivity to major cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad and two operational ports located in Puducherry and Karaikal.